All-Star invite a dream come true for MCW

NEW ORLEANS –– Tonight, the future stars of the NBA collide at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, where the league’s annual rookie-sophomore showcase game, the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge, will take place.

The game will see the league’s top first- and second-year players split between two squads; Chris Webber will coach the first and Grant Hill the second. Headlining Team Webber are hometown favorite Anthony Davis, Orlando’s Victor Oladipo, Jazz point guard Trey Burke, and of course Sixers rookie Michael Carter-Williams.

“It’s a great honor,” said Carter-Williams of being invited to participate in All-Star Weekend. “To even be here, to live my dream, to do what I love to do as my job, it’s unbelievable.”

Team Webber got together Friday morning for a brief practice session in front of fans at Jam Session. You can catch the game on TNT at 9pm (EST).

Giving Back

After practice, Carter-Williams and several of his teammates bussed up toKIPP New Orleans Leadership Primary School to join local volunteers, KaBOOM!, and KIPP New Orleans in building a new, state-of-the-art playground for local children.

The Greek Connection

One of the Team Hill members Carter-Williams will face Friday night is Bucks rookie Giannis Antetokounmpo, whose older brother Thanasis plays for the Delaware 87ers. Thanasis will compete in the Boost Mobile D-League Dream Factory Slam Dunk Contest Saturday at 3pm (EST) on NBA TV.